Athletic garment with absorbent panels

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method described herein provides a garment with superior wicking properties while providing a wearer with an absorbent panel on which to wipe sweat from their hands. The panels may be places such that they do not interfere with the movement of the wearer. For instance, the panels may be strategically placed, sized, and numbered panels to provide for a sequence (e.g., such as a weightlifting method movement). In certain applications, a damp panel may be readily removed and replaced with a dry panel.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments presented herein generally relate to garments, and more particularly, to work clothes and sportswear.

BACKGROUND

In competitive sports, athletes seek to acquire an advantage that may provide a slight edge over an opponent or otherwise improve their performance. Managing heat and perspiration may provide one such advantage. For example, an athlete in a fitness regimen or tennis player may be able to grip weights or a racquet, respectively, more securely with dry hands. Warmth on a muscle group may be desired in one instance, while maintaining a cooler core body temperature may be desirable in other endeavors.

SUMMARY

Embodiments a garment includes a moisture wicking material having first and second sides, the first side configured to wick sweat away from a wearer. An absorbent panel may be positioned over the second side of the wicking material. The absorbent panel may be configured to receive sweat wiped from a hand of the wearer.

According to an embodiment, the absorbent panel is attached to the second side of the moisture wicking material via a removable fastener. The fastener may comprise one or more of a hook and loop fastener, a button, adhesive, static electricity, a snap, elastic, a hook, glue, and a strip around an edge, among other known fasteners. The fastener may be made of non-woven material. In one example, a panel attaches like a diaper fastener or comprises a wrap-around strap or headband.

According to a particular implementation, the absorbent panel is one of a plurality of replaceable absorbent panels. The absorbent panel may be sewn onto the second side of the moisture wicking material.

In an embodiment, an intermediate layer positioned between the moisture wicking layer and the absorbent panel. Connection points may occur at multiple points along the panel. For example, the connection points may be along the edge and or within the interior of the panel. The intermediate layer may include a heat retention property. In another or the same embodiment, an intermediate layer comprises a breather layer.

According to an implementation, the absorbent panel includes a grip enhancing substance (e.g., chalk, gel, clumping.). The absorbent panel includes at least one of an antibacterial, antimicrobial and moisturizing substance. The absorbent panel may be sold as part of an aftermarket garment conversion kit. Panels may include logos. An embodiment of an absorbent panel includes a sensor to measure a biometric parameter or other condition associated with the wearer (e.g., associated with sweat dampness, mineral content of sweat, blood sugar, or heart rate). Sensed inform may allow for athletes to improve performance with specific information from their nutrition/hydration/supplement levels. By monitoring these measurements they may improve with their performance. Sensors may be attached to a garment and may be detachable. The sensors may have wireless capability.

According to another particular example, a method of manufacturing a garment includes forming a moisture wicking material having first and second sides. The first side may be configured to wick sweat away from the wearer. An absorbent panel may be attached over the second side of the wicking material. The absorbent panel may be configured to receive sweat wiped from a hand of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a peeled away perspective view of an embodiment of a removable panel system consistent with an implementation.

FIG. 2 shows a blown up view of a garment system having a removable panel configured to removably attach to a fastener layer of a pair of shorts.

FIG. 3 shows a blown up view of a garment system having a removable panel that includes an intermediate layer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a garment with absorbent panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus and method described herein provides a garment with superior wicking properties while providing a wearer with an absorbent panel on which to wipe sweat from their hands. The panels may be placed such that they do not interfere with the movement of the wearer. For instance, the panels may be strategically placed, sized, and numbered panels to provide for a sequence (e.g., such as a weightlifting method movement). In certain applications, a damp panel may be readily removed and replaced with a dry panel.

In one implementation, a dissipation layer may be included between an inner material and an outer material. The dissipation layer may comprise air or non-dense material, or a sort of honeycombed material. The dissipation layer may facilitate evaporation by forming a partial pressure region. The liquid may expand when exposed to the dissipation layer or to the atmosphere.

Fasteners of an embodiment may be placed over a whole panel or just parts of a panel. For instance, fasteners may comprise points or strips/stripes of hook and loop material.

The fabric may include layers of more than one fabric, or an interweaving of multiple fabrics. For example, a first layer of fabric may be stacked over portions or all of a second layer of fabric. For example, a coating or other material may be added to the panel material to cause it to be raised, or to cause a pattern of some texture. An additional fabric may be included to provide texture or extra absorbency. By adhering or otherwise attaching one fabric piece to another according to an embodiment, the overall ability to absorb or dissipate moisture may be increased.

Adding treatments or textures to one of both sides of fabric that can be used on either side facing externally for wicking or absorbent properties. In one example, a user may choose a side and flip for better absorption or grip enhancing application. For instance, one side of the fabric may have a vertically oriented texture, and another side may include a different orientation, as well as a different absorbency. In this manner, the addition of a treatment that is applied to fabric may allow the fabric to be different on one side from the other side. This feature may allow for efficient use of the fabric by presenting two different applications and uses while using the same or a similar amount of fabric (e.g., but with different uses per side).

Fabric may include a physical treatment applied during or after manufacturing. For instance, fabric may be more absorbent on one side than the other. Treatments may include a physical alteration to a fabric that, for example, include raised portions to catch moisture of liquid applications. Other applications may include different grades of mesh. Different fabric treatments may be applied to opposite sides of the fabric to include a physical alteration to the fabric or a visual alteration to the fabric.

Adjacent panels of an embodiment may have surface lines, textures or structures that are oriented in opposition to one another. For example, an absorbent panel may have a surface pattern oriented in a first direction, and an adjacent absorbent panel has a second (e.g., orthogonal) surface pattern oriented in another direction.

A particular embodiment may include positioning an intermediate layer at 414 between the absorbent panel and the fastening layer. At 416, the absorbent layer may be infused or otherwise applied with an enhancing substance, such as a grip enhancing substance (e.g., powder, chalk, a tacky substance), as well as an antibacterial, antimicrobial and moisturizing substance.

While particular layer sequences and orientations are shown, others are also contemplated. For example, an embodiment may include an absorbing panel, then blocking/repelling panel, and then another absorbing panel. Silver thread may be used to attach panels, according to an implementation. The absorbent panel may include a logo or text.

An embodiment of a garment includes an air gap or layer in between the panels and layers. For instance, a dissipation layer may be formed in such a manner as partial pressure allows liquid to expand when exposed to atmosphere.

A part of a panel covers at least a portion of another panel and they are secured only at select points to allow the airflow or air pockets. Silver thread may be entwined to provide antimicrobial and order control. In an embodiment, edges of a panel may have a low profile-binding as part of an attachment mechanism. A panel may include rubber edges. Still another embodiment may comprise a sleeve structure that wraps around a limb, torso, or other body part. Embodiments may attach with straps (e.g., like a disposable diaper) or may be slipped over a body part, like a headband. Texture may be applied, stitched, or otherwise added to fabric. The texture may be applied by a manufacturer or by a wearer.

In an embodiment, a majority of fabric may be used in a garment is similar to most sportswear fabric, in terms of its performance. The fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly. The fabric may be a nylon blend, polyester blend, lycra blend or other combination of wicking

In a particular embodiment, a removable panel may be added to the inside or outside of the garment. That is, an absorbent panel may be selectively fastened by a wearer to the outside of the garment, or on the inside of the garment.

According to another particular embodiment, a removable panel may be added to a pocket, specialized compartment. In an example, the absorbent panel may be fastened to the inside of a pocket to be used in the pocket construction. In another implementation, a removable panel may be placed under a fastener or a holder of some sort in such a manner as the user may still use the absorbent part of the panel (e.g., an exposed portion or side of the panel).

FIG. 1 shows a peeled away perspective view of an embodiment of a removable panel system 100. The system 100 may include an absorbent panel layer 102 positioned above a breather/dissipation layer 104. The absorbent panel layer 102 may comprise absorbent material configured to receive and absorb sweat from the hand of a wear. Illustrative materials may include: cotton, terry, bamboo, polyester blends. The breather layer 104 may be positioned over a fastener layer 106. The breather layer 104 may be made from mesh, or porous fabric, taking up space but home, structure, or may be an air pocket, configured to permit airflow and prevent moisture from the leg or other portion of a wearer from being absorbed by the underside of the absorbent panel layer 102. The breather layer 104 may be constructed from materials that permit the exchange of air and moisture. The absorbent panel may comprise a breathable material that is able to perform so that as moisture dissipates, evaporates or leaves the fabric over a short period of time, performance of the clothing is not compromised.

The fastener layer 106 may directly contact the skin of a wearer, or may attach to another fabric worn by the wearer. The fastener layer 106 may be constructed of wicking material, in one example.

According to an embodiment, the breather layer may be attached to the outer layers of the main fabric in the garment in the manufacturing process by heat application or another method of attachment. This heat process may still preserve space between the fabrics to allow airflow and to enhance wicking capabilities of the garment.

According to an embodiment, the absorbent panel layer 102 and the breather panel comprise a removable panel. The fastener layer 106 of another embodiment may additionally be included as part of a removable panel. Fasteners used to attach the layers may include one or more of a hook and loop fastener, a button, adhesive, static electricity, a snap, elastic, a hook, glue, and a strip around an edge, among other known fasteners. The fastener may be made of non-woven material. In one example, a panel attaches like a diaper fastener or comprises a wrap-around strap or headband. Fasteners may also be separate from the garment and attached once the garment is on the wearer.

FIG. 2 shows a blown up view of a garment system 200 having a removable panel 202 configured to removably attach to a fastener layer 204 of a pair of shorts 206.

FIG. 3 shows a blown up view of a garment system 300 having a removable panel 302 configured to removably attach to a fastener layer 304 of a pair of shorts 306. As shown in the drawing, the removable panel 302 includes an intermediate layer 308.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a garment with absorbent panels. At 402, a user may form a moisture wicking surface. For example, the surface may include a portion of a garment worn by an athlete. The wicking material thus may be fashioned into garment at 404.

At 406, a user may determine strategic positions for fastening absorbent panels. The placement may be based on a number of factors. Absorbent panels may be attached 408. The attachment may be accomplished via removable or permanent fasteners. Where removable, a user may remove the absorbent panels at 410. fabrics. While providing performance and comfort, the fabric combination and compression may allow for the wearer to maintain body heat while performing physical activity.

Another embodiment may include a heat retention layer. The heat retention layer may be included between the absorbent layer and the fastening layer, or may be below the fastening layer. The heat retention layer may or may not include wicking material. The configuration may promote comfort and fitness performance by maintaining warmth.

The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment comprising: a moisture wicking material having first and second sides, the first side configured to wick sweat away from a wearer; and an absorbent panel positioned over the second side of the wicking material, the absorbent panel configured to receive sweat wiped from a hand of the wearer.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel is attached to the second side of the moisture wicking material via a removable fastener.
 3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the removable fastener is selected from one of: a hook and loop fastener, a button, adhesive, static electricity, snap, and hook.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel is one of a plurality of replaceable absorbent panels.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel is sewn onto the second side of the moisture wicking material.
 6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate layer positioned between the moisture wicking layer and the absorbent panel.
 7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the intermediate layer includes a heat retention property.
 8. The garment of claim 6, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a breather layer.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel includes a grip enhancing substance.
 10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel includes at least one of an antibacterial, antimicrobial and moisturizing substance.
 11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel is sold as part of an aftermarket garment conversion kit.
 12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel includes a sensor to measure a biometric parameter associated with the wearer.
 13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel is manufactured to include a logo.
 14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the absorbent panel comprises non-woven material.
 15. A method of manufacturing a garment, the method comprising: forming a moisture wicking material having first and second sides, the first side configured to wick sweat away from a wearer; and attaching an absorbent panel over the second side of the wicking material, the absorbent panel configured to receive sweat wiped from a hand of the wearer.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising manufacturing the absorbent panel to be reversible by the wearer.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising adding a substance to the absorbent panel to create texture or additional absorption.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the absorbent panel has a surface pattern oriented in a first direction, and wherein an adjacent absorbent panel has a second surface pattern oriented in another direction.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the absorbent panel is positioned within a pocket structure of the garment.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the absorbent panel has a surface pattern oriented in a first direction, and wherein an adjacent absorbent panel has a second surface pattern oriented in another direction. 